After standing as the Conservative candidate for Carholme Ward in last year’s local elections, I’ve been keeping a keen eye on issues that affect local people and businesses in the area and was very intrigued to hear that the City Council intends to sell The Lawn complex.
From speaking to people in the know, I can understand why the main building needed to go, but totally disagreed with the decision to part with the income generating business block and the amazing, historic Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory.
I know that the Conservatives had planned to sell the main building but reinvest £250,000 in making the Conservatory a real show-stopping tourist attraction for the city, as well as investing in the area around the existing businesses to cement their future. So why can’t a Labour-led council do the same?
I spoke to the business owners at The Lawn and found that they are left feeling like they — and the historic site they trade from — were nothing but a commodity to be sold off and not part of Lincolns’ economy and heritage.
They have gathered over 1,000 names on a petition against the sale of The Lawn but have now been told that it’s too late to change anything as the “wide consultation” ended on September 15. They didn’t even know it had started.
I witnessed Councillor Marc Jones ask Councillor Karen Lee in the last Full Council meeting if she would hold her new Community Leadership Committee at the Lawn to engage with businesses over their future and was shocked by her response that it was too late as the decision was already made.
I am determined to raise the profile of this issue and am glad that Council Leader Ric Metcalfe has now agreed to meet with the business owners. It may be a case of too little too late, but it might just be better late than never for Lincoln’s heritage.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!